[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced the Senate approval of Tammy Duckworth to be Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"President Obama and America's veterans now have Tammy Duckworth as their advocate and champion," said Durbin. "I know Tammy will bring the same level of commitment to the VA that she has shown in fighting for her country and representing Illinois veterans."

Duckworth was injured when the Blackhawk helicopter she was piloting over Iraq was hit with a rocket-propelled grenade. In the attack, she lost her left leg and her right leg has since been amputated. She spent months recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, facing multiple surgeries, extensive rehab and continuous upgrades of her prostheses. Duckworth was presented with a Purple Heart and awarded an Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal.

Durbin invited Duckworth as his guest to the State of the Union in 2005. In 2006, she was appointed the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. As assistant secretary, Duckworth will direct VA's public affairs, internal communications and intergovernmental relations. She also will oversee programs for homeless Veterans, consumer affairs and special rehabilitative events.

The blocking of Maj. Duckworth's nomination was indecent for several reasons.
1. Sen. Burr had no rationale for doing it evidenced by the fact that he never stated a reason.
2. Delaying the appointment only served to deny Veterans of her advocacy.
3. Barring some good reason, the President should be allowed to appoint who he wants, as the GOP repeatedly reminded us of during the last administration.
4. Having resigned her post at the Illinois VA to take this position, Maj. Duckworth needed a job. Unlike Sen. Burr she was not born into wealth and privilege.
5, Finally, Sen. Burr should be thanking Maj. Duckworth for her service and the donation of her 2 legs to the country, not using his position to cause her difficulty.

Not sure if that is brilliant enough for you, Jeffery. In any case, whoever runs against Burr will have at least 1 donor from Illinois.

I am in awe of you and others and congratulate you on your "NEW" position.
I am a PhD student at the University of San Diego completing a nursing study investigating Quality of Well-Being and Impact of Events status post loss of one or more limbs in combat or military training. Please contact me if you would or others may consider participating. Contact me directly at shelly@taylordhealth.com
858-663-4150 mobile or through my website at www.taylordhealth.com - I am in need of 50 said soldiers to interview to hopefully gleam more light into the present day issues and future needs of soldiers with traumatic limb loss.

you are world hero, Tammy. Thank you of being USA Irag veteran. What do you have for the disabled persons world wide especially USA and Kenya in Africa?
I am also amputee, one leg imputed. I do like to ask which kind of artificial legs you are using to work?. Is it possible to get one? Let me know Duckwoth through above email address. Thank you God Bless you.